Naruto Chapter 302 Review

Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Scanslation: Chikusho Scanslation Group

[SPOILER HEAVY]

In this chapter Sai is introduced to his lovely new suite at Chez Orochimaru, and it comes with the small fee of his freedom as Kabuto locks him inside in a show of obvious mistrust. Uncharacteristically, Kabuto also leaves a document of a shocking nature, or so we assume from Sai's expression as he furiously reads away, in the room. Tension runs high as Kabuto makes his return just as Naruto, Sakura and Yamato bust their way in and confront Sai.

Whether Kabuto intentionally left this document behind as a means to covertly inform Sai of something, or it was merely an accident as we're led to believe, it dangles the carrot for some potentially awesome action for the next chapter. I've been desperate for a proper Kabuto vs. ANYONE for a long time. The concept of medical ninja and their fight techniques are some of my favourites in Naruto and the possibility of a pissing contest between Sakura and Kabuto is almost too much. The fact that Kabuto 'healed' Sakura previously may suggest a weakness in her that he will exploit. But still, this is all hearsay. Who's to bloody say what Kabuto will do. He's nothing but reassuringly incomprehensible.

What was in this document and why it caused such a shock to Sai is also unknown. Speculation could extend to it being information on Sai's brother/the test subjects, and this might explain why Kabuto 'accidentally' left it behind. This is quickly sidelined however when Naruto and co barge in and demonstrate their annoyance over being betrayed, albeit restrained and civil for the time being. And here's me thinking they were dying to batter the shite out of the guy. Either way, Sakura lays on all the appropriate questions (such is her way), Sai admits his failure and happily obliges the information relating to Danzou's coup plans. Suggesting Sai's relative disinterest in his official mission much? Damn right. It's becoming clearer by the minute what he's got his mind set on.

This was a fairly standard transitory chapter. Because of the bland locales the artwork was fairly standard with nothing immediately impressive - although I loved the title image with Sai posing in front of one of his paintings. Minor plot gripes came from the relative ease for Naruto and co to get into Orochi's hideout - it simply being a matter of Yamato sticking his wood in a crack. So to speak. Still, it sets up a potentially charged and exciting forthcoming chapter as Kabuto approaches the room occupied by the whole gang. Hopefully Kishimoto won't pull and Dragonball and needlessly drag this out. I'm more than ready for another Sakura smack-down. Or a Kabuto one, for that matter. We do like a spot of violence now and again.